ATTLEBORO - It was a dog day outside city hall Tuesday with temperatures in the high 90s, but it was a day for the dogs inside when the city council voted to allow dog day-care businesses in industrial zones.

The operations are already allowed in commercial zones by right or special permit, but proponents said industrial zones were better locations for the businesses that are expected to grow in popularity.

Councilors agreed on a 10-0 vote.

The vote allows dog day-care businesses into industrial zones under the commercial kennel designation that covers a number of pet-related operations.

The move was sparked by the owner of an industrial building in the Northwest Industrial Park, William Walsh, who had been approached by a couple who wanted to establish a dog day-care center in his building. The couple, Emily McHugh and Ralph Gasbarro, moved to the city from Portland, Ore., hoping to start a dog day-care business.

The businesses flourish in Portland, but are relatively unknown here.

As a result of the vote, anyone who wants to start a dog day-care business in an industrial zone must first get a special permit from the zoning board of appeals.

Gasbarro said he'll begin the application process today.

GEORGE W. RHODES can be reached at 508-236-0432 or at grhodes@thesunchronicle.com.